Indianapolis DHL Truck Accident Attorney
More than 5,700 people were killed and more than 154,000 were injured in large truck accidents in a recent year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). As one of the leading delivery companies in the country, DHL employs thousands of truck drivers in the United States, including here in Indiana. Careless DHL delivery drivers can cause severe traffic accidents that result in injury and even death.
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by a DHL delivery truck driver, the experienced DHL truck accident lawyers at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC are ready to explain your legal rights. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses.
Call our Indianapolis office today or contact us online for a free consultation to explore your potential injury claim with a dedicated truck accident lawyer at our firm.
The Role of a DHL Truck Accident Lawyer in Indianapolis
Having an experienced DHL truck accident attorney on your side can provide many benefits. Our attorneys can build a strong case for you by:
- Investigating the accident
- Gathering evidence to support your claim
- Determining the identity of the liable party
- Assessing the value of all aspects of your claim
- Advising you about your legal options
- Keeping you updated about the status of your case at each step
- Negotiating with insurance companies for a settlement that covers your losses
- Representing you in court if no settlement can be reached
At Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, we know how to handle DHL delivery truck claims. For 25 years, we’ve helped clients in Indianapolis and throughout Indiana successfully pursue their personal injury claims. We understand the severe toll a personal injury takes on victims physically, emotionally, and financially. That’s why we’ve been recognized with numerous awards in the legal field, including ranking in the top 10 trucking trial lawyers. With our experience and personalized approach, our team can help you during this trying time and pursue every dollar you are entitled to under the law.
Types of Vehicles DHL Operates in Indianapolis
DHL drivers use a wide variety of vehicles. Many drivers make their deliveries using trucks, including those that run on electricity, hydrogen, and biogas, in addition to traditional diesel and gasoline-powered large trucks. The DHL fleet includes tractor-trailers, box trucks, full-size cargo vans, and compact vans.
Common Types and Causes of DHL Truck Accidents
DHL truck accidents are caused by many different factors, such as:
- Distracted driving – DHL delivery drivers can be distracted by eating, drinking, and checking their cell phones or GPS systems, for example. Anything that takes a driver’s focus, hands, or eyes away from the task of driving qualifies as a distraction.
- Speeding – Speeding is a common cause of commercial trucking accidents and can cause the truck to roll over, jackknife, or cause a collision with another vehicle. DHL delivery drivers may feel pressure to speed to meet unreasonable expectations set by their employer.
- Driver fatigue – DHL drivers who drive commercial vehicles may ignore federally mandated hours of service regulations that require them to take rest breaks. That can lead drivers to stay behind the wheel even when they’re too tired to drive safely.
- Maintenance issues – Indiana law requires commercial trucking companies and truck drivers to perform regular inspections and maintenance. However, it is not uncommon for trucking companies to skip maintenance to save money. Neglected maintenance can lead to malfunctions, such as faulty brakes and tire blowouts.
- Inexperience – Some drivers might be hired despite their inexperience or be poorly trained by the company. Their lack of experience can lead to panic or poor decision-making in some situations and could lead to accidents.
Pursuing Compensation for Losses in a DHL Truck Crash
Seeking compensation for losses in a DHL accident can be a complicated process. First, you must determine who was at fault for the crash to file a claim for compensation. However, an accident with a DHL truck could be caused by parties other than the truck driver. Other potentially at-fault parties include:
- The DHL company, if they hired unqualified delivery drivers or failed to train them (DHL would also be vicariously liable for its employees’ negligence.)
- The manufacturer of the delivery truck’s parts if they malfunctioned and caused the crash
- The company responsible for the truck’s maintenance if they recently serviced the vehicle and missed a major fault or if their repairs malfunctioned and caused the accident
- The company that oversees loading the truck’s cargo if the cargo’s improper loading contributed to the accident involving a DHL truck
- Government agencies responsible for road maintenance if poor road conditions caused the accident
- Drivers of other vehicles if their actions contributed to the crash
Evidence for Your Claim After a DHL Delivery Truck Accident
To build a robust case that supports your claim against DHL or another responsible party, your attorney can gather evidence from various sources. Examples of potentially useful evidence include:
- Accident scene photos
- Traffic camera and dashcam videos
- Police reports
- Accident reconstruction expert reports
- Medical reports
- Electronic logging device data
- Black box data from the truck
- Truck maintenance records
- Alcohol or drug testing for the DHL driver
- Eyewitness testimony
What Compensation Can I Expect After a DHL Truck Accident?
DHL delivery vans and tractor-trailers are considerably larger and heavier than passenger cars. An accident with a DHL delivery truck can be severe and even life-threatening because of the force these larger vehicles impart to the collision.
When you’ve been injured in a crash with a DHL commercial truck that wasn’t your fault, you could pursue compensation for your accident-related losses, including:
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages and income
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- Permanent disability and disfigurement
Contact Our Experienced DHL Truck Accident Attorneys
If you suffered serious injuries in an accident caused by a DHL delivery truck driver in Indianapolis, reach out to our lawyers right away. You may be entitled to significant compensation for your accident-related losses. With the help of our experienced Indianapolis truck accident lawyers, you can file an insurance claim to seek the compensation you deserve.
Call an attorney at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC today or contact us online for a free consultation about how we can help with your DHL truck accident claim.